CELTIC are sweating on the fitness of Scott Brown and James Forrest after they pulled out of the Scotland squad yesterday and returned to Glasgow for treatment.

Both now face a battle to be fit for Celtic’s Champions League clash in Barcelona next Tuesday.

Brown was forced to give up his fight to be ready for tomorrow night’s do-or-die qualifier in Belgium while fellow Celt Forrest has also been ruled out of Craig Levein’s plans after failing to recover from a groin problem.

Don Cowie has replaced Brown as Scotland attempt to breathe life into their World Cup qualification hopes.

Brown came off at half-time against Wales on Friday and the Celtic captain has been struggling with a hip problem all season.

Hearts defender Andy Webster is suffering from a back problem in the Scotland camp.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon will be praying both his players will be ready for the Nou Camp trip as the Hoops look to keep up their strong start to their Champions League campaign.

Cardiff City’s Cowie, 29, has won 10 caps and could now feature against the Belgians tomorrow night.

Kris Commons was called up to the squad last week after Jordan Rhodes and Robert Snodgrass dropped out and the Celtic forward made his first international appearance in over a year in Cardiff.

The Scots are still looking for their first win in World Cup qualifying Group A with Craig Levein’s side drawing their first two matches before Friday’s defeat by a Gareth Bale-inspired Wales.

Belgium currently lead the group on goal difference, with Croatia joint top on seven points.

Marc Wilmots, whose side won 3-0 in Serbia on Friday, will be without injured pair Merouane Fellaini and Romelu Lukaku against the Scots.